United Do Rangers 2 Favours In 5days

Dundee United midfielder Grant Smith did his father's former club a favour on Saturday afternoon, when United beat 2nd place Aberdeen 3-1 at Tannadice.

Grant's father, former Rangers player Gordon Smith, would have been hoping his former side could have leapfrogged Aberdeen back into 2nd place, but they failed to beat lowly Saint Mirren and a 1-1 draw at Ibrox means Jimmy Calderwood's Dons start 2007 in 2nd place in the SPL.

It`s the 2nd time this week that Dundee United have had good results for Paul Le Guen`s side, after the Boxing day 2-2 draw at Parkhead, which prevented Celtic extending their lead even further at the top of the table.

Speaking before the exciting 3-1 win over Aberdeen, Grant Smith predicted it would be cracker and, like Craig Levein, was hoping that his side could end 2006 on a positive note.

"With us improving and Aberdeen doing so well it's got the makings of a cracker," said Smith.

"It's such a tight league, especially around the middle section with about four teams on 24 points, but with a little bit of luck, we can push up there and keep improving every week."

Craig Levein has dramatically changed Dundee United's fortunes in just 2 months side arriving at Tannadice, leading the club from bottom of the league to within touching distance of the top 6.

With Falkirk losing 3-1 to Caley Thistle, the result puts Dundee United equal on points with the Bairns, but just 3 points behind 6th place Kilmarnock who drew 0-0 with Hearts at Rugby Park.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.